Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Variegata' (Variegated Lavender Scallops) - A small shrubby succulent that grows to 1 to 2 feet tall with stems that spread out and root along the ground to form large colonies with thick and fleshy lavender gray-green leaves with a cream colored variegation along the scalloped leaf margins. In late spring to early summer appear the ¾ inch long bell-shaped reddish-brown colored flowers that hang in loose clusters from upright stems. Plant in full coastal sun to part shade or in bright light indoors in a well-drained soil. Irrigate regularly to occasionally from spring to fall but needs no supplemental water during winter. Hardy to around 25 F - our plants of the non-variegated forms were not damaged in our January 2007 freezes that had several nights down to 25F and the variegated form is likely about as hardy. A great plant in a pot or used as a drought resistant groundcover or focal plant in a succulent or rock garden. The name Kalanchoe is somewhat of a mystery - there is some thought that it comes from a phonetic transcription of the Chinese words 'Kalan Chauhuy' meaning "that which falls and grows", likely in reference to the plantlets that drop from many of the species but others believe it from the ancient Indian words 'kalanka' meaning "spot" or "rust" and 'chaya' meaning "glossy" in reference to the reddish glossy leaves of the Indian species K. laciniata. The specific epithet “fedtschenkoi” honors Rusian botanist Boris A. Fedtschenko (1873-1947), who was director of the Imperial Botanic Garden at St. Petersberg. The common name Lavender Scallops comes the lavender cast the leaves often have when grown in bright light. This plant is also sometimes called South American Air Plant but this is misleading as this plant come from Madagascar and not South America. Likely this name comes about because it has escaped cultivation in parts of South America (Galápagos Islands) as well as in Florida, India, Hawaii and Polynesia.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi 'Variegata'.